My Manifarceto

I was dreaming of forming an A Team Party, the best party that money can buy. But first I will need a manifesto. Let me try to list down a few of my thoughts. 1. Housing. Make it affordable for three generations to pay. Only families with 3 generations need apply. 2. Public Health. Make it affordable that no cash is needed. Just make sure that the Medisave is raised to whatever it takes. 3. Education. Every child shall have a place in tertiary education at affordable fees which they can take 20 years to pay. 4. Immigration. All talents welcome. 5. Population. 20 million shall be a good start. 6. Public transport. As affordable as Tokyo and with Tokyo’s world class comfort. 7. Politics. Proportional representation by race, age group, gender, sexual preference and housing type, and also age of citizenship. 8. Remuneration for politicians. Pay only for the best and have a salary formula that has no caps. 9. GST. Raise to 20%. Any extras can be used to help the poor. 10. Sports. Use only the best foreign talents money can buy. 11. CPF. Change to Compulsory Protection Fund, to protect the people’s saving. Guaranteed 10% annual interest but cannot withdraw. 12. Law and Order. The govt is the people’s govt, so no need for protest. I think these 12 policies will do for the time being.

Oh it’s Sunday morning

It is one of those mornings when one gets up and having nothing better to do. So it is good to use the creative juice for something that is eye catching and maybe grab a little attention. Call it silly if you like, but Sunday morning is a time exactly for that. Who cares about GE or fighting to be the next govt, to be leaders of the country for the next 4 or 5 years, or to get rich? What do I want to do when life is so boring? Ah, get my name etched somewhere, in the Book of Records or something like that. Wow, my name in the Guiness Book of Records in perpetuity. Then some day some little kids who too have nothing better to do will go and read the book and say oh this fella name is in the book too. And not only that, maybe I can get my name in the front page of the newspaper. Now that must be something to feel important about. Now I got a brilliant idea, no, not about designing a fan that has no blades or a vacuum cleaner that does not need a bag. I want to get 100,000 people to bust 100,000 plastic bags at the same time. I think no one has done that yet. Can someone check the Book of Records for me please. If I don’t hear from anyone then it means go. 4 pm at Hong Lim Park, each one bring a plastic bag and at the exact moment when the clock at Hong Lim Park strikes 5, bang! Then everyone can cheer and declare that he has achieved something great. But make sure the reporters and some officials are there to witness this great event. Oh, please don’t complain that I am wasting time, energy, resources and the precious plastic bags that I am not supposed to waste. Just one time and 100,000 pieces only! I already feel so good, setting a record! PS. I will print 100,000 pieces of T shirts with the words, ‘100,000 Bangs In One Go!’ and sell it at $10 each. Maybe I can make a profit of $5 each.

Orchard Rd Fashion Show Apr 2011

More pics at https://picasaweb.google.com/redbeansg/OrchardRdFashionShowApr2011#

More good signs

I just found time to glance through the ST. My immediate impression is that the ST is playing pretty fair in its coverage of the opposition candidates. Chen Show Mao and Benjamin Pwee were featured generously. This is the best sign that the govt is maturing and showing a willingness to accept the presence of good opposition candidates. These two candidates are as good as they can get for a truly engaging parliament when issues are tested and debated instead of unhealthy personal attacks. The presence of genuine and quality candidates in Parliament is both good to the people and the ruling party. At least they know that they are dealing with respectable people with similar dreams and aspiration and not thugs and mobsters. This is a golden opportunity for the ruling party to raise the level of politicking to a higher level and let the best men win and represent the people. Anything else is sinful and any underhand tactics could ruin the reputation of whichever party that indulges in them. The people are waiting for this moment when good and capable men and women stand up to represent both the ruling party and the opposition camp. There is now an alternative, till this moment I am hitting the keyboard. Pray that no more gutter politics appear as the GE gets nearer. Please no more silly boy behaviours. Adults and respectable people needs to behave like adults and respectfully. Peeping into the key holes or that sort of antics, best left to silly and low down people to do. Let the people condemn whoever resorts to dirty politics. Let the people spit at those jokers who failed to play the game in an honourable manner. Decent and honourable men should compete in a respectable manner with equally decent and honourable men. The people are watching to see who is the first to stand up to show how dishonourable he is by playing the dirty game. The electorate is not stupid and knows very well who is an asshole. They are also watching how the media conducts itself. So far so good. Will it last?

Can Chok Tong deliver?

The apparent difference in the political thinking of Chok Tong and the other leaders in the PAP is shining through the crevices. This is not a right or wrong thing but a difference in the vision or what one would like things to be. This is what political leaders should do, aspirations for the country and the people. What they want the country to be and what they deem is good for the people. No need super talents to have such visions. Just get the super talents to do the work to achieve the dreams and goals. In other words, political leaders can be dreamers, but more importantly, the heart in the right place. And the super talents can be the doers to get to the right place. It is good if the super talents have good visions and hearts in the right place as well. It will be bad, very bad, if the super talents have wrong visions and hearts in the wrong place. So, Hsien Loong said cannot have two parties, not enough political talents. Chok Tong said enough talents. Can Chok Tong prove to the people that there are enough talents by leading another party to contest the election? I am sure no one can fault the quality and character of members of either party. The people will then have the privilege of being served by two known elements, all tested and proven. It must be good for Singapore and Singaporeans. Can Chok Tong deliver on this?

Nitcharee’s family has a $13k bill

The Thai girl who had her leg crushed and amputated after falling into the tracks of the MRT now faces a big bill of $13k for her 3 days stay in a public hospital in paradise. The bill includes doctor’s fee, stay in emergency ward, amputation and all the works. And to cremate her amputated legs would cost her family another $650, not counting the expenses to fly here to be by her side. This is a case of one tragedy after another. Some may not believe that there can be so many tragedies happening to one person in paradise in a few days. Is she covered by insurance as a private student? Or does the SMRT have an insurance to cover for commuters hurt inside the station? The last resort to pay for this tragedy is for Singaporeans to open up their hearts, if there is any. I think there should be, after all this is paradise and the residents are all saintly. Poor girl.

What is a Singaporean?

"Even those who are anti-PAP, who are critical, when they travel they feel so proud of being Singaporeans... When they come home, the moment they get the SIA boarding pass, there's a flutter in their hearts...yes, I'm on my way home." George Yeo I fully agree with him on the flutter in the heart. I experienced it every time I came home. It feels so good just to be back on home soil. The sense of safety, security, belonging, and the feeling of home. I believe every true blue Singaporean will feel it the same way. I am just wondering, just wondering, would the new citizens feel the same way as we do. Or they will feel the flutter when they return to their former countries/homes? Maybe they have flutters here and there and everywhere, at both homes. That is really a bonus. We Singaporeans only got one flutter, nothing more, nothing less. To many Singaporeans, this is really home. Nothing is more precious than this. And they better make sure that they don’t lose this home to anyone who wants to claim it as theirs. Make noise if necessary. Kpkb when they see things are not right. The home is something worth defending and fighting for. Never end up one day when the home is gone. Our forefathers came here when they lost their homes. They have built this home for us and the future generations. It is our duty to keep it that way, not to be given away freely and easily. National Service is in vain if we lose our home or forfeit it by inaction or apathy.

Black Day for Netizens

Just when the internet news is getting more readership, and with George Yeo and a few ministers feeling more comfortable about communicating with netizens, today I heard that Temasek Review will be closing down in July. As of today, though TR is still young, so is cyberspace and internet news, TR is one of a few group based internet forums devoted to Singapore and Singaporeans. It is a waste to see it go. And with the GE around the corner, netizens will have on choice less to read on what is happening here. It is a sad thing to happen when alternative voices are now sought after by news hungry citizens who want to hear what others have to say other than the stereo typed main media version of news. One RIP memorial for internet news.

The people crunchers

One train broke down in the morning peak hour and 17,500 commuters were stranded. In the same time many were enjoying an orgy or a sauna bath in the packed trains. These will be the things to come as we happily plod along mindlessly to allow the population to grow irresponsibly. We are 5 m and going to 6m and more. Heh heh. And it will not stop and cannot be stopped as any attempt to do so will slow down our economic growth. The numbers will keep going up and the rock will become more vibrant. And everyone can look forward to 10% or 15% economic growth and big bonuses. One man will be extremely happy. The trains and buses will eventually turn into people crunchers as we continue to progress down the road. It will be a happy adventure to all the rich citizens, travelling in style and comfort, with a sauna or orgy thrown in every now and then. We are progressing nicely to the future of graceful living and lifestyle.

Whorehouse for sale

Someone told me the story of a prostitute who wanted to go big time. Her plan was to marry someone big time. And her method was simple, just pay a big dowry. But who would want to marry a prostitute just for the money? The prostitute was not worried, as long as she put the money on the table, someone would come along. She tried very hard. But it was obvious that no decent fella would want to marry a prostitute. Then someone suggested to the prostitute to sell the whorehouse since business was still good. The better price, without having to pay a ransom for dowry, would mean that the owners could get a bigger return and may be happier, at least, instead of being sold out for the interest of the prostitute. I think it makes good business sense. A prostitute is in for the money. So why not just sell the whole whorehouse if the owners cannot object? And I am sure the prostitute will still get the lion’s share. As for the owners of the whorehouse, that is all they got. What’s next is their problem. They can never acquire another whorehouse with the pittance they will be getting. So what? It makes business sense, right? And the whorehouse can continue operating under different owners and making money as usual.

Pharoah's rites

A procession in ancient Egypt.

Understudy MPs

The concept of MPs understudying senior MPs has its merits. Not many are born to be instant MPs or instant ministers. Of course there are exceptional talents that are born and instantly can become good MPs and good ministers without any need for tuition or under study. Training is unheard off and no need for retraining of any nature when one is born to be a knows all. Only has been PMETs need to go for retraining. Having agreed to this concept, I think there are needs for some modifications to the current electoral systems. Firstly, paying $14k or $15k to any rookie MP to understudy anyone may be a bit too much. Agree or not? Ok, it may be nothing compares to a peanut, but still a lot of money to pay to anyone to learn on the job. As an ex HR practitioner, I have never come across anyone being paid so much to understudy a job. What I would like to suggest is to have a secondary election for understudy MPs, for MPs that are not ready to do the real job of an MP. And those elected to as understudy MPs can be paid an allowance of say $3k. I think this will be more acceptable and palatable to those who are vehemently against the big sum of money being paid to a trainee MP. And when the trainee MP is ready, then he can stand for election for the real stuff. Or we can have a mandatory course for would be MPs to pass before they can stand for election. Anyone think this is a good idea? I am just floating it like flying a kite. If the objection is too great, just take it as a joke ok. Don’t get mad at me huh.

The first crack appearing

I am seeing the first sign of a crack in the great wall. Could it develop further and cause a breakthrough in the form of a new Barisan Socialist breakaway? One side believes staunchly that the great wall is solid and homogenous, will never break, no breaks will be allowed. Could that be the truth, or furthest from the truth? If there is an open break, would the memories of Cold Storage be relived? Can our system or the people live with another mass cold storage exercise? And what could be the reason for the people to accept without any question? There is no demon today to hang, nor would the people believe in demons. It will be interesting to see who will defect and join a new barisan and who is the new leader. Can't call them communist, racist, religious fanatics nor terrorists. Everyone is a respectable and honourable man/woman who have served the country well. I am putting the stethoscope on the ground to feel the tremor. It is grumbling and growing in strength. My God, an earthquake in Sin!

The Water Margin

Koh Choon Hwee wrote an article in Kent Ridge Common lamenting about the lack or dearth of comments from local political commentators and observers. In advertently the burden fell on the shoulder of Assoc Professor Eugene Tan of SMU. Any reporter who needs a view or comment will come knocking at the door of Eugene Tan. The fact that Eugene has a string of spectacular degrees and appointments helps too for the choice. Koh Choon Hwee was suggesting that perhaps more views should be sort from other political observers like Catherine Lim and some other luminaries. And he asked why not, why always from a few established names? The immediate thought that comes to mine is that there is a world of difference between seeking views by main stream reporters form officially safe personalities and those from the mountain of Liang Shan as in the novel Water Margin. Who needs the views of the outlaws? And outlaws too may not have a string of qualifications to carry the kind of weight that they wanted. Would they be comfortable with views from Wally, Patriot or Matilah? You guys, can you please attach your titles to your name when you post. Maybe they will come around looking for your view too. I am going to announce mine right here, Dr Redbean, political analyst, PhD from LSE. Oh, I have just bought my PhD from Lembaga School of Economics. Ok, I am waiting. I will check my email everyday for reporters seeking my views or comments on local issues. Incidentally my email is available at my CV. Hope they would not mind the association with the heroes of the Water Margin.

Property price will come down?

'People who chase after the property market will ultimately pay the price when our property market nosedive. The property prices will have to fall after a certain peak and that is when thiings can go very awry.' Gilbert Goh The above is quoted from Gilbert's article in his blog with a title calling for the ban on PRs buying HDB flats. I think Gilbert is grossly wrong in his prediction that property prices will fall. This is one item in Singapore that will defy gravity. Several people in the know already said it clearly, that property prices will be manged to go up. It has to be as more than 80% of the population are living in HDB flats and they will suffer financial losses if the price will to go down. Up it must be. And the market forces will make sure that the demand will always exceed supply. If not, the market forces will be made to increase the demand or lower the supply. So Gilbert, sorry you are wrong. The gods will make sure that you are wrong.

Let’s poison the Oceans

Japan is pouring thousands of tons of radioactive water into the ocean. And the world looks on with mouth wide open, speechless, or because it is Japan, or because the Americans did not protest, so the world cannot do anything. No, not that. The Japanese said the radioactive water is safe, no danger to human lives at all. The livestocks in the ocean will not be affected. Sashimi and sushi will be still as fresh as before, from the Sea of Japan, the Pacific Ocean to the Artic and Antartica. There is no cause for alarm. Where is GreenPeace? The good things are about to happen. The next generation of Japanese will become Ultra boys. The fishes in the oceans will turn up as Gigantors. There will be no more food shortages. Each Gigantor can feed more than what 10 whales could. Oh I forgot, the Japanese have natural lightings in the dark. They will all glow beautifully. And so will the rest of the world in times to come. PS. Just imagine what the western media will write if it was China or North Korea doing the dumping. just imagine....

Talking football in Sin

The aspiration to be in the 2010 World Cup withered away in a limp. An embarrassing suggestion that was best described as a naïve dream of school boys. I think by now no one who wants to be taken seriously will ever talk about the World Cup dream. Singapore’s football is not only third class, but fourth or fifth class today. The pathetic condition of this game is really amazing given the amount of financial and govt support for the game, and the infusion of foreign talents. Football in general is no longer the football of the past. It has been privatized into a business making concern. Its main interest is making money. The players are international, can be bought and sold, with no attachment or loyalty to any team. Even the whole team can change name if the price is right. The manager of a national team can also be a foreign talent. What is bad about football is that it is a game of kelong and match fixing with no qualms about morality. Anything goes as long as it makes money. The goal keeper can score its own goals when he is paid right by another team. So can the other team players, or even the captain. And sometimes, in order to lose a game, all the good players will get themselves a red card or fall sick, not attend training. Then the reserves or newbies will be field to throw away a game. Football is not the same as before. Who wants to be associated with football, be called a goal keeper or a sweeper, or the last man, in a game of kelong and game fixing?

What’s happening?

Chok Tong made an announcement that in future ministers can only serve two terms to make way for new talents. The only exception is that PMs may be allowed to stay longer. To me this is funny indeed. Many countries would want to limit the Number One executive’s term to two terms for obvious reasons. Here, uniquely Singapore, the Number One executive can go on and on while the minister’s terms are limited. This funny thing does not stop here. When asked about Chok Tong’s remark, Kan Seng said, ‘That’s his opinion and we’ll leave it at that.’ You see how funny this latter remark is? Was Chok Tong giving a hint of the party’s position on self renewal or was he making a personal remark that has not been approved by the party? What was Kan Seng trying to say, or what was Chok Tong trying to say?

Are we ready to move from third world to first world?

No, I did not make a false statement. In politics we are still in the third world, with third word antics and third world mentality. A one party dominant political system cannot be first world. Ya? so what should a first world political system be, bi party or multi party? Believers of a one party dominant state will definitely disagree with my statement. The one party system, a dictatorship of a party, is good, effective and has served us well. No need to change when it is not broken, just carry on. What about the drawbacks and the danger when it turns bad? I say when and not if. It is the nature of things that all things will turn bad. Sometimes it could already be bad but because of incremental decay, it may not be apparent. A manufacturer of nuclear plants, or an advocate of nuclear plants, will swear that nuclear energy is safe and the way to go. They know the danger and what will be the consequence of a mishap. Their only solution is that they will do everything possible to prevent it but knowing deep down that a mishap can and will happen. This same argument is applicable to those who flaunt the virtues of a one party system and not telling how bad it could be when the time comes. And they will assure you that they will do all they can to prevent it from happening. Can the words of man be trusted? Just wait till their vital interests are at risk, and the bestest of man will turn to a mean beast. There is no need for a mature polity to be controlled by an absolute majority with few or no alternate voices. A 60% or 70% majority is more than sufficient for a ruling govt to run its agenda and policies smoothly. This is the same as a $1m or $2m salary is more than enough to live very comfortably. What is important, in the long run, is the nurturing of an alternative party to be there, speaking for the people and to moderate the extreme policies of the ruling party. Not everything the ruling party did is right or good for the people. It will be good at times and for some people at times. Some people will be adversely affected by any policy. In the absence of an alternative voice for the people, things can be slippery. NCMP, NMP or alternative voice in the ruling party? Stop dreaming.

Kathakali Cultural Dance

A Kathakali dancer with a woman devotee kneeling in front of him and making an offering.